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Five softball players end their careers at Northeast

Five softball players end their careers at Northeast

NORFOLK, NE – The season has come to an end for the Northeast Community College softball team. The #7 Hawks fell to #4 Iowa Lakes Community College on day one of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Region XI-A Tournament game, 5-4, and again to the Lakers the following day, 8-7.

The Hawks will lose five sophomores to graduation this year, according to Iris Woodhead, head coach.

They include Teanne Edens, Hopland, CA, pitcher, who said she appreciated the support she received during her time at Northeast.

“I want to thank Northeast for giving me the opportunity to further my education and blessing me with some amazing friendships that I will never forget. I also want to thank my team for being there through the tough times.”

Woodhead said Edens had a had a nice freshman year in which she set two pitching records including wins (18) and season strikeouts (189).

“Unfortunately, her sophomore season didn’t start well for her and she had some trouble on the mound. But she was able to pick us up nicely at the plate,” Woodhead said. “I wish Teanne the best of luck at Sterling College next year.”

Jade Long, Beatrice, shortstop, said she enjoyed her time at Northeast.

“I am blessed to have been able to play softball alongside some amazing teammates and would not be where I am today if it was not for them. Thank you Northeast for helping me learn so much about life and myself and for preparing me for my future.” 

Woodhead called Long a “fighter” despite some setbacks in her career.

“In her freshman year, Jade played with a broken finger on her glove hand. This year, after ankle surgery in December, she was healthy until a bad hop hit her in the wrist. She continued to play the season with a fractured wrist. Although her years here didn’t play out the way she wanted, it was truly a blessing to be able to coach her for her two years. She will definitely be missed.”

Long is considering offers to play softball elsewhere next season.

Moriah Payton, McCook, pitcher.

She said, “Thank you to Northeast for giving me the opportunity to further my education and to play softball. But a big thank you to my teammates for always being there for me through the good and bad times.”

Woodhead she appreciated Payton’s dedication to her team. 

“It was great to have Moriah around. She got along with her teammates very well and always seemed to be at the center of it all. On the mound, she worked hard for us and was able to get us out of some pickles. I wish her luck with her next endeavor.”

Savannah Robertson, Columbus, first base, enjoyed her time at Northeast.

“I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of a new softball program and help set high standards for all the softball players that will play at Northeast. To the freshmen, remember in the end softball is just a game and that the important thing to take from it is the family you gain and the lessons you learn.”

Woodhead called Robertson a “competitor.”

“Savannah is a player you want on your team. She was feared in our line up and came up big for us so many times. She has numerous records for us which including hits, season (88) and career (168), batting average, season (.471) and career (.443), doubles, season (24) and career (42) and putouts, season (349) and career (571). Sav was a tremendous leader for us on and off the field.”

Robertson plans to attend Concordia University next year.

Emily Sherstone, Surrey, British Columbia, is grateful for her time at Northeast.

“I'd like to thank Coach for developing me into the athlete I am today and my teammates for making every moment memorable, on and off the field. For the freshman, give it your all while you can because it goes by fast and remember to play for each other.”

Woodhead said she enjoyed having Sherstone on her squad. 

“There wasn’t a game she didn’t make an outstanding play in the outfield, from running into the fence to catch a ball or sliding to get a blooper. She did great things on and especially off the field in the classroom and was always willing to help teammates out.

Sherstone holds a record in season stolen bases (26) and career (38). She will be attending Concordia University next year.

Northeast finished the season with an overall record of 18-34 and 4-20 in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.

 

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PHOTO IDs: Teanne Edens, Jade Long, Moriah Payton, Savannah Robertson, and Emily Sherstone.